So What's Up With This Economy?

Everything I'm hearing this week is that we are basically in a Recession and Inflation is running rampant. Warren Buffet is saying its a recession, Jim Kramer is saying its a recession, Chris Bell is saying its a recession. Gas at the pumps in California are $4-5 dollars a gallon. A barrel of oil reached $106 this week. Bank stocks are in the tank.

Speeking of bank stocks, have you looked at your Mutual Funds lately? I keep watching mine slide and as I look into them, they all seem to have a significant percentage of Financials in them. Financial Sector stocks have been stable for so long that it seems all the mutual funds are loaded up with them.

The jobs report released today says 63,000 jobs were cut this past month. This is not a typo. 63,000 jobs in a MONTH. Investors had been expecting a 25,000 gain for the month.

Gone in 60 Seconds . . . or 3 practices.

Okay my last post was about the glow of coaching youth sports. Last night was the 3rd night of practice and it was brutal. First, it was COLD. Second, my son was in a foul mood. Third, it was COLD. Fourth, I took a shot directly in the back from a hard throw. Just a bruise, but a really nice bruise.

Anyway, for those of you who have coached your own children, you probably know what I am going through. Your own child never seems to want to go with the flow, take any coaching ideas from his/her own parent, or play the position that you ask him/her to play.

It was one of those nights.

Coaching Youth Sports

Yesterday was the first day of practice for Hikes Point Optimist and Matt's team, the Padres, had their first practice. I have the pleasure of once again helping to coach the team with Scott Warner, who was Matt's Head Coach last Summer.

This year we have a whole group of kids that I have never coached before with the exception of Matt and Scott's son, Jake. We did the usual introduction of teammates and coaches and got on with the practice. I can't express how much fun I have interacting with these guys each year. It seems like we all get caught up in the daily routines of work, school, homework, dinner, baths and bedtime that we hardly ever get to just PLAY.

Each season, this is my chance to play outdoors with the kids. This year the big difference seems to be their development and maturity. I immediately noticed walking up to the guys that they were much taller than last season. Warming up, I noticed the POP of the gloves and the heat on the balls.

I also noticed during practice how they seem to know the basic fundamentals that we've been coaching for years. Most of the kids have played 4-5 years now and have a good sense of the basics. It should be a fun season and I look forward to PLAYING in the sunshine with "the boys of summer".